Tales of the Talking Tiger

Christians aren’t alone in desiring others to share in their beliefs.

When Christians speak of their love for Jesus, they are sharing what’s important to them – it is an overflow of what they are passionate about.

You also have passions, and whilst we may not share the same passions, only a short time together will reveal our respective passions. Sharing what you are passionate about isn’t devious, contrived or forced – it is the most natural topic of conversation because it is what consumes your time and thinking and brings you joy.

• Consider the person who returns from holidays and wants to tell you how great the holiday was – “you’ve just got to go to Paris, it’s amazing!”
• Or consider the person who loves a particular restaurant – “Thai La-Ong is the best Thai restaurant in Newtown – we have got to go there for dinner on Friday!”
• Or consider the person who has just discovered a great tv show “Have you seen the Chaser? You’ve got to watch it, it’s the funniest show!”

Of course, these are all trivial examples. But in each example, one person is singing the praises of Paris, Thai La-Ong or The Chaser and they want the other person to share the joy they have experienced. They are essentially seeking to ‘convert’ the other to the benefits of what they have discovered that brings them joy.

I am not upset if you try to convince me to go to Paris – in fact I am delighted, because your encouragement is an expression of the care you have for me in desiring me to experience the same joy you have experienced.

Christians are more passionate about sharing what they believe because the implications are so much greater. Whilst I enjoyed Paris and would recommend you go, the quality of your life won’t suffer without it. Whilst The Chaser is funny, there are other (perhaps even better) ways of spending a spare half hour.

Christianity is about knowing and enjoying the God who created you, who loves you, who died for you and is the source of everything that is good. It’s only natural that Christians would want to share this life-changing news with anyone who will listen.

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